digidrench is an interactive video installation in which the user controls video playback by filling and draining three tanks. As the water level rises, the video plays forward; as it lowers, the video reverses. The user gets to interact with the very same materials that are used on screen. As the user pours, liquid falls on screen. There is a direct correlation between the user's action and the video content, allowing for more playful and meaningful engagement with the project. We are very proud to be showing digidrench at Gizmodo Gallery 2011 at White Box on Friday, December 9th.

digidrench was the product of our media controller assignment in Introduction to Physical Computing. Early in our brainstorms, we chose water as the project's theme and instrument of control. After hours of discussion, we settled on using fluid levels to control the video playback. The user can manipulate both the speed and direction of playback. The faster you pour the water into the tank, the faster the video plays. Draining the tank reverses the footage. We wanted the user to feel connected to project's materiality-- the liquid pouring from the user's hands is directly mirrored onscreen.